Unleash Your Inner Party Animal: Discover the Wild Side of Disco!

Whenever Meryl Meisler reaches out, we’re all ears. Her captivating photographs of New York during the 1970s and 80s draw us into a past era—one that many of us never experienced firsthand, yet can vicariously live through her imagery.

Recently, Meisler’s work has been featured in two Parisian exhibits: her series at Polka Galerie, titled Studio 54 & More, vividly captures the vibrant personalities and festive spirit of the disco age. She also played a role in DISCO: I’m Coming Out, a continuing exhibit at the Philharmonie de Paris until August. This expansive show explores both the political and celebratory aspects of the disco movement, highlighting its power to unite diverse crowds under the shimmer of a disco ball.

It’s particularly thrilling to see Meisler’s new collection of images showcasing raucous New York nightlife from the 1970s, some of which appear in her latest publication, Street Walker. VICE had the opportunity to chat with her about these iconic disco nights, the moments she captured, and the undying resonance of nightlife culture.

VICE: Meryl, the mid-70s in the U.S. saw a surge in drug use, the winding down of the Vietnam War, and the Watergate scandal. Amidst all this, how did disco emerge?
Meryl Meisler: Indeed, it was a time of rapid cultural shifts, only a few years after the Stonewall uprisings. The sexual liberation and the feminist movement empowered people to express themselves more freely. Additionally, the evolution of music played a significant role, particularly the emergence of DJs who curated music live, creating a unique atmosphere each night with state-of-the-art sound systems and ever-changing club decors for themed evenings.

Did you feel like you were part of something new with disco, considering your awareness of past nightlife photography?
I was inspired by Brassaï, who documented Parisian nightlife in the 1930s, and I saw my work as a continuation of that legacy. While I was conscious of similar scenes in places like France and London, I didn’t fully grasp that I was at the epicenter in New York City, which was really ground zero for disco. Nightlife has always been a part of human culture—as ancient as dancing itself. Music, dance, and celebration seem to be innate human needs.

Does today’s cost of living in New York hinder the type of hedonistic lifestyles depicted in your photographs?
It’s no secret that New York is expensive, and finding affordable living spaces can be tough. However, there are still opportunities to engage in the city’s nightlife economically. For instance, last night, Susanne Bartsch hosted a party where entry was free. So, despite the high costs, the spirit of nightlife—from Berlin’s Weimar era to today—persists as a fundamental aspect of human behavior.

“I do think clubs are darker than what I remember.”

Are you still actively photographing nightlife?
Yes, I’ve gradually returned to capturing nightlife scenes. It’s enjoyable and feels right. Although it’s challenging to shoot in dimly lit environments, I find it fulfilling. Clubs might seem darker now—or perhaps it’s just my eyesight—but I’m back with my film camera and flash, exploring the changes and what remains the same. It feels like paying tribute to earlier times, just as my outings in the 70s felt like a nod to Paris in the 30s.

Visit Meryl Meisler’s website and follow her on Instagram @merylmeisler

Follow Nick Thompson on Instagram @niche_t_